Interview with Bree Ryback, Capitol Romance

The Wedding Vendor Spotlight is an interview series highlighting some of the best wedding vendors in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find out what brings them joy, both professionally and personally, as well as their insights into emerging wedding trends for 2013.

While planning for her own wedding, Bree Ryback noticed that there weren’t many resources for a small-budget, offbeat DC wedding. Determined to inspire other couples seeking a more “non-traditional” type of wedding, she launched her DC wedding blog, Capitol Romance. Bree also recently started a wedding consultation business to connect couples with tools, resources and information.[divider_line]

DC Wedding Blogger Bree Ryback, Capitol Romance

Photo by Stephen Gosling Photography

How do you describe your “style”?
I like to use the words offbeat, alternative, funky & rad to describe my “style.” I love bright colors, skinny jeans, stripes, and all things Harry Potter. I try to give the non-traditional, more realistic view of the Washington, DC wedding scene.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?
This one is easy – interacting with the couples to hear their love stories and visions for their weddings, and then helping to connect them with the right vendors. I am a people person – and I love connecting people to help bring about awesome results and solutions. That keeps my passion going.

Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?
Oh god, I am terrible when it comes to “trends.” I don’t really pay much attention to trends and would rather have couples discover what makes them passionate and reflects their love story, and incorporate that into their wedding – no matter the pattern, color, theme, or trend.

Are there any particular venues that suit alternative weddings particularly well?
I love art gallery weddings – mostly because they come in many shapes/sizes AND they are usually pretty budget friendly because they are already decorated. Another great offbeat venue that seems to be popping up more and more is restaurants as wedding venues. Catering is significantly cheaper through a restaurant, and no table/chairs/linens/flatware rental is required!

Do you recommend any specific resources for offbeat couples (aside from Capitol Romance, of course!)?

When I planned my own wedding, I was a worshipper of Rock n Roll Bride and Offbeat Bride. Those are fantastic offbeat resources. However, thanks to Etsy and Pinterest, it’s pretty easy to find what you might be looking for instead of spending hours on Google images (like I also did). I think the easiest way to get resources though is to connect with people/vendors and form relationships. Vendors have a plethora of information. I always say that I wished I had blogged BEFORE planning my wedding because I would have known so much more.

What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?
There are NO rules when it comes to weddings. Whenever a couple asks me, “can we do ____?” I answer, “well of course you can, why not?!”. I think people get too caught up in “the way it’s supposed to be.” There is no real way, there are no rules, it’s only you, your soon-to-be husband or wife, and how you want to celebrate your new life together.

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?
My awesome husband, my mini dachshund Sadie, my neighborhood, working on our rowhouse and, have I mentioned, all things Harry Potter? Seriously though, I love exploring our city of Washington, DC and spending time meeting new people. I also love visiting my family up and down the East Coast and traveling to new places!

How can we find you online?
WEB: www.capitolromance.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/capitolromance
TWITTER: @capitolromance
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/capitolromance
INSTAGRAM: @capitolromance

Thanks Bree! Have a question for Bree? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to follow up.

To recommend someone for the Wedding Vendor Spotlight, please email Stephen.